Solutions for Schools & Districts: Empowering Educators to Empower Students
Why DDC?
Data-driven results: Significant improvements in academic performance, with measurable increases in test scores and overall grades, a notable reduction in disciplinary incidents, fostering a more positive and respectful school environment, and higher attendance rates, reflecting greater student engagement and commitment to learning.



Agenda:
8:30 – 9:00 AM: Welcome and Introduction
- Overview of DDC’s purpose and benefits for Kerr Middle School.
- Connection to campus mission and vision.
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Joy 2 – Building Positive Relationships
- Why: The role of joy in creating a welcoming and supportive school culture.
- How: Practical activities and strategies to infuse joy into daily interactions.
- Small group practice: Teachers role-play introducing Joy 2 activities to students.
10:30 – 10:45 AM: Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Empowerment Shake – Ownership and Confidence Building
- Why: Empowering students fosters independence and accountability.
- How: Modeling and teaching the Empowerment Shake process.
- Practice sessions: Teachers rehearse guiding students through the Empowerment Shake.
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 PM: Excellence Agreements – Establishing Shared Expectations
- Why: Clarity in expectations builds trust and consistency.
- How: Creating and implementing Excellence Agreements collaboratively with students.
- Workshop: Draft sample agreements for classrooms or teams.
2:30 – 2:45 PM: Break
2:45 – 4:00 PM: Balance Checks – Maintaining Well-Being
- Why: Balance checks prevent burnout and ensure sustainable success for staff and students.
- How: Incorporating balance checks into daily routines.
- Teachers create personal and professional balance check plans.
Agenda
8:30 – 9:00 AM: Recap and Reflections
- Key takeaways from Day 1.
- Group discussion on initial thoughts and applications.
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Understanding Circles – Fostering Inclusivity and Communication
- Why: Encourages empathy and strengthens community bonds.
- How: Structuring and facilitating Understanding Circles.
- Practice session: Teachers lead mock Understanding Circles.
10:30 – 10:45 AM: Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Integrity Huddles – Promoting Accountability
- Why: Integrity Huddles reinforce values and drive collective accountability.
- How: Scheduling and conducting Integrity Huddles.
- Activity: Teachers develop sample huddle agendas tailored to their needs.
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 PM: iLead Binders – Organizing and Documenting Growth
- Why: Binders serve as a tangible representation of personal and academic growth.
- How: Implementing and maintaining iLead Binders effectively.
- Workshop: Teachers assemble example iLead Binders and plan integration into the classroom.
2:30 – 2:45 PM: Break
2:45 – 4:00 PM: Practice and Peer Feedback
- Teachers present their implementation plans for Understanding Circles, Integrity Huddles, and iLead Binders.
Agenda
8:30 – 9:00 AM: Introduction – Vision for Transformation
Discuss how DDC aligns with Kerr Middle School’s goals.
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Improving Academic Outcomes through DDC
- Connection between DDC practices and academic performance.
- Teachers brainstorm ways to embed DDC strategies in their instructional practices.
10:30 – 10:45 AM: Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Attendance and Behavior Improvements
- Discuss how Joy 2, Balance Checks, and Empowerment Shake address attendance and behavior challenges.
- Teachers develop action plans for tracking and celebrating improvements.
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 PM: Strengthening Relationships
- Exploring the ripple effect of Understanding Circles and Integrity Huddles.
- Teachers reflect on building stronger connections with students, colleagues, and families.
2:30 – 2:45 PM: Break
2:45 – 4:00 PM: Sustaining the Change
- Developing long-term strategies for DDC implementation.
- Collaborative session: Teachers create a shared vision for DDC at Kerr Middle School and identify next steps.